Head Covering With Removable Liner

ABSTRACT

A liner for a hat and a hat with a liner is provided comprising a smooth material sewn together, according to a pattern, covering an interior portion of the hat. An attachment apparatus removably attaching the liner to the interior of the hat is included on the hat and liner. The hair of the hat wearer is thereby protected from damage and breakage while wearing the hat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED DOCUMENTS

The present invention claims priority to a US provisional patentapplication entitled BERET WITH REMOVEABLE LINER, Ser. No. 62/522,324filed on Jun. 20, 2017, disclosure of which is included herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is in the field of manufactured garments andpertains particularly to methods and apparatus for modifying militarystyle head coverings to prevent unnecessary discomfort and hair breakagefor a user when adorning same.

2. Discussion of the State of the Art

In the art of manufactured garments, military style head coverings inmost countries, for example a beret or patrol cap, are fabricated fromwool including felted wool or other natural fibers. Military veteranswho have longer hair including dense curly and or coarse hair may haveproblems wearing current style military issued head gear because of afact that hair strands can become caught up and entangled with woolfibers, or other natural fibers of the head covering causing discomfortand breakage. These fibers also extract and absorb moisture from thehair, which causes the hair to become dry and brittle. While thisproblem may exist relative to both female and male wearers, it typicallyaffects female wearers more because they have more hair that may bepuffy, curly, kinky or coarse and therefore make more contact with thewool material and is likely to become entangled in the fibers of theberet causing the wearer discomfort while damaging the hair.Specifically, women were not necessarily considered when designingmilitary hats as they were not part of the military in large numbers atthe time.

Some manufacturers have provided non-military headgear with permanentlyattached underside where by the linings may be sewn onto the undersideof a wool cap and may interface with the user's head preventing tanglesbetween the hair and wool fibers. The problem is debris such as makeup,worn by the user, sweat and perfume may translate from the hair,forehead and face of the user on to the permanent liner and the entirehat must be cleaned to remove the debris. Again, a specific problem forwomen in the military required to wear said head coverings.

Therefore, what is clearly needed is a beret, beanie, patrol cap or 8point military style cap with a removable liner that solves the problemsmentioned above.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A liner for a hat is provided, comprising a smooth material sewntogether, covering an interior portion of the hat. An attachmentapparatus may also be provided removably attaching the liner to theinterior of the hat. In this embodiment, with the liner inserted in thehat, a user wears the hat and liner thereby protecting hair of the userfrom damage while wearing the hat.

One embodiment of the invention may provide a material pattern specificto the interior of the hat used to create the liner. The hat liner mayfit into a military issue beret, a military issue beanie, a militaryissue patrol hat or a military issue 8-point hat in other embodiments.

An alternative embodiment provides that the hat the liner attaches to ismanufactured from anyone of natural or synthetic fibers capable ofentangling and otherwise damaging hair of the user when worn. Thenatural fiber may be any one of a group including felted wool, wool, andcotton. The synthetic fibers may be anyone of a group including nylonand polyester.

Another embodiment provides a zipper or hook and loop mechanisms as anapparatus for attaching the liner to the hat. In this embodiment themechanisms may be integral to both the liner and the hat. Additionally,the smooth material of the liner may be satin or silk. In someembodiments an extra material flap may be attached over the attachmentmechanisms in order to protect the wearers hair and head frominteracting directly with the attachment device. Additionally, the lineris removable and washable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a model screen shot depicting a right side view of an ethnicwomen modeling a military beret modified according to an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a model screen shot depicting a rear view of the ethnic womenand military beret of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an underside view of the military beret of FIGS. 1 and 2without a liner.

FIG. 4 is an overhead view of the military beret liner of FIG. 1 removedfrom the host military beret of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a hidden zipper beret to beret linerinterface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a side view of the beret of FIG. 1 without a tubular bandadapted with a removable liner.

FIG. 6B is an underside view of the beret of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is an elevation view of a crown pattern for beret 101 of FIG.6A.

FIG. 6D is an elevation view of a band pane pattern for beret 101 ofFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a military style 8-point hat adaptedwith a removable liner.

FIG. 7B is an underside view of the military style 8-point hat of FIG.7A.

FIG. 7C is an elevation view of a crown pattern for the military style8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is an elevation view of a pocket pattern for the military style8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E is an elevation view of a side panel pattern for the militarystyle 8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern for the militarystyle 8-point hat of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a beanie adapted with a removable liner.

FIG. 8B is an underside view of the beanie of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is an elevation view of a beanie pattern.

FIG. 8D is an elevation view of a beanie pattern with an opening.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a military style patrol hat adaptedwith a removable liner.

FIG. 9B is an underside view of the military style patrol hat of FIG.8A.

FIG. 9C is an elevation view of a crown pattern for the military stylepatrol hat of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9D is an elevation view of a pocket pattern for the military stylepatrol hat of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is an elevation view of a side panel pattern for the militarystyle patrol hat of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10B is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern for the militarystyle patrol hat of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The inventor provides a hat or headgear liner designed to provide asmooth interface between headgear commonly made from wool or feltedwool. Although the liner can be mated with any type of headgear, thepreferred embodiment is military style caps including a beret, beaniestyle, patrol and 8 point caps with removable liners. The presentinvention is described in enabling detail below relative to one or morethan one embodiment of the present invention. Specific descriptionsprovided for a drawing of one style military hat is understood totranslate to all styles of military hats provided in the presentspecification.

The inventor provides a hat or headgear liner designed to provide asmooth interface between headgear commonly made predominantly from woolor felted wool. Other materials and fibers used in manufacture ofmilitary style hats may include cotton fibers, polyester, nylon, woolfelt, other natural fiber felts, or a blend of any of these materials.

The present invention is described in enabling detail below relative toone or more than one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a model screen shot 100 depicting a right side view of a womanmodeling a military beret modified according to an embodiment of theinvention. Beret 101 is fabricated of wool or felted wool and ismodified in this example to accept a modular beret liner 105 as isvisible through a portion of wool material removed in this view. Beret101 includes a tubular band 103, that in one embodiment may accept adraw string. Band 103 may be made of leather or nylon that is foldedover itself and stitched to the edge of the woolen beret material. Inone embodiment band 103 has elasticity. Beret liner 105 may bemanufactured of a satin material or a silk-based fabric that stays cool,maintains moisture in the hair, and is comfortable to the wearer whereinno hair becomes caught in the wool or felted wool material. In oneexample a satin material may typically have a dull side and a shiny sidethat would interface with the user. Beret liner 105 may comprise asingle layer of material or more than one layer of material overlaidwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this example, a hidden zipper line 102 may be attached to beret 101at one side by at least one stitching 108 and on the beret liner side byat least one stitching 107. A hidden zipper includes a base zipper stripto which the zipper architecture (left and right zipper tracks) is sewnon to, and at least one material flap (not illustrated here) that issewn onto the zipper strip extending at least to the zipper line andthus hides the zipper line from view. In this example, beret liner 105may be removed from beret 101 by unzipping liner 105 from beret 101 andwashed whereupon it may be reinstalled on the beret using the samezipper architecture.

FIG. 2 is a model screen shot depicting a rear view of the ethnic womenand military beret 101 of FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 2, beret 101 isdepicted in rear view showing a zipper head 106. Zipper head 106 istypically a steel zipper head but it may be manufactured from a varietyof materials including aluminum, brass, or other metals. In oneembodiment zipper 106 may be manufactured of a polymer. The position ofzipper head 106 is at the rear of military beret 101 for convenience tothe wearer. The wearer's hair is likely to be much thicker at the rearof the head thereby making a rear placement of zipper head 106 logicalto reduce discomfort such as the zipper head pressing against theforehead of the wearer. Zipper head 106 may be tucked under the materialflaps intrinsic to the hidden zipper architecture.

In one embodiment a zipper head cover flap (not illustrated) may beprovided to further hide the zipper head. Such a flap may be a piece ofmaterial sewn onto the beret band 103 and may include a snap or a hookand loop interface that incorporates and anchor point hook or loop onthe beret liner 105. Beret band 103 may be a leather or nylon stripfolded over and sewn over the edge of the beret material and then toitself. In one embodiment a loop is formed within band 103 to accept adrawstring. In another embodiment no draw string is provided.

FIG. 3 is an underside view of military beret 101 of FIGS. 1 and 2without a liner. Referring now to FIG. 3, beret 101 is viewed from theunderside without the beret liner 105 installed. At least one stitch 108may connect part of the zipper to beret 101, more particularly to anoverlapped material excess of band 103 extending into the beret. Stitch108 may also secure a material flap around the periphery of band 103wherein such a material flap hides a left zipper track 104. The edge ofsuch a material flap may be defined as a material edge 114. For purposeof clarity, left zipper track 104 is rendered visible in this view,however in actual practice it may be hidden beneath the material flapimplemented to provide the hidden zipper in a closed zipped form.

The width of such a material flap might be defined as a distance betweenstitching 108 and material edge 107 where the material edge may extendto just cover or to slightly overlap left zipper track 104. In thisexample, a zipper base component and a zipper stop component (notillustrated) are positioned at the rear in line with the model view ofFIG. 2. In this example, there is no installed zipper head such aszipper head 106 because it is installed on the right zipper track sewnon to the beret liner. The fact that the zipper head is installed on thematerial liner (right zipper track) allows a user to don the militaryberet 101 without the liner if desired where no contact irritationbetween the zipper head and wearer's head would occur.

FIG. 4 is an overhead view of military beret liner 105 of FIG. 1 removedfrom the host military beret of FIG. 1. Referring now to FIG. 4,Material liner 105 includes a right zipper track 110 attached to theliner material via at least one stitching 109. There may be more thanone stitching such as a second stitching 111. Zipper head 106 isdepicted as butted up against a zipper stop component 116 of the hiddenzipper architecture. Zipper pull component 113 may be accessed toadvance or retard the zipper head along the track.

In a preferred embodiment, zipper head 106 may be positioned all the wayback against the seat component designed to accept the left zipper track104 installed on the beret to form closed zipper 102. Material edge 112may represent the edge of a flap material sewn onto the zipper strip andextending to cover zipper track 110 or just beyond the zipper track. Inone embodiment the hidden zipper flaps are made of the originalmaterials such as wool flap for the beret side and a satin flap for theberet liner side wherein the flaps cooperated to cover the zipperhardware and appear as a seam when the zipper is closed. In anotherembodiment the hidden zipper may be covered by a single flap originatingeither from the beret liner or from the beret.

Referring now back to FIG. 1, a removable makeup and/or sweat absorbingstrip of material such as a cotton material or another absorbentmaterial may be provided as an accessory that may be applied using hookand loop or snap attachment to the beret liner at an area of the linerthat meets the user's forehead once the beret liner is installed in theberet. The absorbent strip may be removed from the beret liner andwashed when needed. Beret liner 105 may be unzipped from beret 101 sothat it might be washed and dried as needed.

In one embodiment, beret liner 105 may be attached using hook and loopsystem and or snaps to an inner side of beret 101. However, in apreferred embodiment a hidden zipper is used because of consistentposition of the zipper components allow for a quicker installation.Moreover, the hidden zipper allows for an ascetic view of the inside ofthe beret where the zipper is hidden from view and does not come intocontact with the wearer's hair or skin reducing or eliminatingdiscomfort for the user. Likewise, a material patch may also be providedto cover the zipper head and pull handle at the rear portion of theberet such that the zipper head or handle does not interfere with theuser's hair or head. In one embodiment zipper components may be paintedor colored in line with the colors of the military beret.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a hidden zipper beret to beret linerinterface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referringnow to FIG. 5, a partial cut view from the beret to liner interfacedepicts a hidden zipper connection interface partly open to expose theseparated zipper tracks to the left of the zipper head 106 in thisexample. It is noted herein that a beret flap with material edge 107 andthe beret liner flap with the material edge 112 meet just over theclosed zipper track effectively hiding the track and preventing thetrack from contacting the wearer directly.

Stitching 108 on the beret and 109 on the beret liner are visible inthis view and may or may not generally coincide with the beginning edgesof each material flap. It is noted herein that each material flap may becontiguous materials for example formed from the materials of the beretand the beret liner. In another embodiment, the material flaps may beprovided with the zipper and may be functional on the zipper before itis installed on the beret and beret liner respectively. Underlyingzipper strip material may be a canvass like material or any durable usematerial.

The removable hat liner of the present invention may include a sweatband that may attach to the liner material at a position covering atleast a user's forehead. In one embodiment, a sweat band may be extendedin length to cover most or all the user's head around the foreheadpreferably at the hairline through the back of the neck. In thisembodiment the sweat band is detachable ahead of the hat liner. Themethod and apparatus of the invention may be provided and customized toa wide variety of head cover, more particularly military style headcovers such as an eight point military style hat also known as a“barrack cover” to such as a simple beanie type cap. Slightmodifications may be made in the design of the removable liner toaccommodate disparate hat architectural features.

FIG. 6A is a side view of beret 101 of FIG. 1 adapted with a removableliner and without tubular band 103. Referring momentarily back to thedescription of FIG. 1, beret 101 includes a band 103 sewn about theopening in the beret that may accept a draw string. This is an optionalfeature and should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Inthis view, the zipper attachment interface between the hat liner (notvisible in this view) and the beret material is represented by zippertrack 102 (see FIG. 1) that wraps around the beret in the direction ofthe arrows. Zipper head 106 (FIG. 2) is referenced positionally hereinat the rear portion of beret 101 although that is not a requirement ofthe invention.

FIG. 6B is an underside view of beret 101 of FIG. 6A. In this view, aremovable beret liner 105 is provided in a hidden manner as describedpreviously and represented herein by zipper track 102 that extendsaround the perimeter of the beret. Zipper head 106 is represented hereinpositionally at the rear of the beret. A sweat band is not illustratedin this example but may be assumed present. The sweat band may bedesigned to completely cover all of the zipper components providingadditional protection for the wearer. The zipper track may also beisolated from the user's head by the overlapping material flaps coveringthe zipper track. The zipper head 106 may also have a detachable flapcovering sewn in at the back of the beret such that the flap may includea hook and loop or snap connection to allow the user to detach one endto have access to the zipper and reattach the flap end to the linercovering the zipper position and providing an additional measure ofcomfort to the user.

FIG. 6C is an elevation view of a crown pattern 120 for beret 101 ofFIG. 6A. Crown pattern 120 represents a cut pattern for at least onesize crown to fabricate beret liner 105.

FIG. 6D is an elevation view of a band pane pattern 121 for beret liner105 of FIG. 6B. Band pane pattern 121 represents a cut pattern for atleast one size band pane to fabricate beret liner 105.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a military style 8-point hat 122adapted with a removable liner. Hat 122 is a traditional military stylehat worn by marines and sailors is sometimes referred to as a utilitycap or cover. Hat 122 includes an 8-point crown 123 and a bill 124. Bill124 is sometimes referred to as a visor.

A hat to liner interface is represented herein by zipper track 102extending about the periphery of hat 122. Approximate zipper headposition on zipper track 102 is represented herein by element 106.Dashed lines depicted on bill 124 represent bill stitching. Dashed linesadjacent to zipper track 102 represent the stitching of the left and theright zipper parts, one to the hat material and one to the hat liner 125(FIG. 7B) material.

FIG. 7B is an underside view of military style 8-point hat 122 of FIG.7A. In this view, removable hat liner 125 is visible. In one embodiment,a removable hat liner such as hat liner 125 may include one or moreattachment mechanisms such as hook and loop, for example, strategicallylocate top center or there about for enabling the liner to be attachedto the inside of the crown of the hat, in this case 8-point hat 122.Dashed lines adjacent to zipper track 102 represent the stitching of theleft and the right zipper parts, one to the hat material and one to thehat liner material. Dashed lines depicted on bill 124 represent billstitching.

The zipper track is represented herein by zipper track 102. The zipperhead is represented herein by element number 106 depicting theapproximate position of zipper head at the rear of 8-point militarystyle hat 122.

FIG. 7C is an elevation view of a crown pattern 126 for military style8-point hat liner 125 of FIG. 7B. Crown pattern 126 represents a cutpattern for at least one size crown to fabricate for 8-point militarystyle hat liner 125.

FIG. 7D is an elevation view of a pocket pattern 127 for military style8-point hat 122 of FIG. 7A. Pocket pattern 127 represents a cut patternfor at least one size pocket to fabricate for 8-point military style hatliner 125.

FIG. 7E is an elevation view of a side panel pattern 128 for militarystyle 8-point hat 122 of FIG. 7A. Side panel pattern 128 represents acut pattern for at least one size of side panel to fabricate for 8-pointmilitary style hat liner 125.

FIG. 7F is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern 129 for themilitary style 8-point hat of FIG. 7A. Sweat band pattern 129 representsa cut pattern for at least one size of sweat band to fabricate for8-point military style hat 122. This sweatband may be attached andpositioned at the wearers forehead wrapping around the hairline at theforehead extending to a position at the back of the wearers neck.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a beanie 130 adapted with a removable liner.Beanie 130 may include a peripheral tubular band (103) for a draw stringlike beret 101 of FIG. 1, though none is illustrated here. The dashedlines in this view represent stitching adjacent to a zipper trackrepresented herein as zipper track 102 (FIG. 1). The approximateposition of the zipper head is represented by element 106. On everystyle hat, the zipper interface enabling attachment and detachment ofthe hat liner is hidden from view beneath at least one material flap. Ahat liner 131 is just visible in this view. The dashed lines representstitching adjacent to zipper track 102.

FIG. 8B is an underside view of beanie 130 of FIG. 8A. Beanie 130 mayinclude a peripheral tubular band like band 103 of FIG. 1 for adrawstring in one embodiment. Beanie hat liner 131 may include one ormore attachment mechanisms roughly centered on the back side of theliner interfacing with the underside top of the beanie. The attachmentmechanism may be hook and loop, a button, zipper, stitching, pin,removable fabric glue or other attachment means.

The dashed lines in this view represent stitching adjacent to a zippertrack represented herein as zipper track 102 (FIG. 1). The approximateposition of the zipper head is represented by element 106.

FIG. 8C is an elevation view of a beanie pattern 132. Beanie pattern 132represents a beanie cut pattern for at least one size of beanie forfabricating beanie 132.

FIG. 8D is an elevation view of a beanie pattern 133 with an opening.Beanie pattern 133 represents a beanie cut pattern with an opening forfabricating beanie 133 in the case of a beanie with an opening therein.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a military style patrol hat 134 adaptedwith a removable liner. Hat 134 is a traditional military style patrolhat worn by soldiers and airmen. Hat 134 includes a crown 140 and a bill135. Bill 135 is sometimes referred to as a visor.

A hat to liner interface is represented herein by zipper track 102extending about the periphery of hat 122. Approximate zipper headposition on zipper track 102 is represented herein by element 106 at therear portion of patrol hat 134. Dashed lines depicted on bill 124represent bill stitching. Dashed lines adjacent to zipper track 102represent the stitching of the left and the right zipper parts, one tothe hat material, and one to the hat liner material.

FIG. 9B is an underside view of military style patrol hat 134 of FIG.8A. In this view, removable hat liner 136 is visible. In one embodiment,a removable hat liner such as hat liner 136 may include one or moreattachment mechanisms such as hook and loop, for example, strategicallylocate top center or there about for enabling the liner to be attachedto the inside of the crown of the hat, in this case patrol hat 134.Dashed lines adjacent to zipper track 102 represent the stitching of theleft and the right zipper parts, one to the hat material and one to thehat liner material. Dashed lines depicted on bill 135 represent billstitching.

The zipper track is represented herein by zipper track 102. The zipperhead is represented herein by element number 106 depicting theapproximate position of zipper head at the rear of military style patrolhat 134.

FIG. 9D is an elevation view of a crown pattern 137 for military stylepatrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Crown pattern 137 represents a crown cutpattern for at least one size of crown for fabricating military stylepatrol hat 134.

FIG. 9E is an elevation view of a pocket pattern 138 for military stylepatrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Pocket pattern 138 represents a cut patternfor at least one size pocket to fabricate for military style patrol hat134.

FIG. 10A is an elevation view of a side panel pattern 139 for militarystyle patrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Side panel pattern 139 represents a cutpattern for at least one size side panel to fabricate for military stylepatrol hat 134.

FIG. 10B is an elevation view of a sweat band pattern 141 for militarystyle patrol hat 134 of FIG. 9A. Sweat band pattern 141 represents a cutpattern for at least one size sweat band to fabricate for military stylepatrol hat 134.

In one embodiment of the present invention, hat liner material has morethan one layer. In this embodiment a cushion material such as sponge,cotton padding, or other soft or cushioning materials might be sewn intothe hat liner in one or more strategic locations that would present onthe head of the wearer of the head covering.

This embodiment may be applicable to the hat styles described herein andfurther to sporting hats such as baseball uniform hats, or to lightweight work hats like painting hats, the cushioning provided in theliner and washable with the liner, and wherein the cushioning mayprovide the user with some protection against potential damage caused byshock of colliding with another object like a cabinet for a painter, ora deflected baseball for a baseball player. Still further applicationsfor traditional and new types of head coverings are possible.

It will be apparent to the skilled person that the arrangement ofelements and functionality for the invention is described in differentembodiments in which each is exemplary of an implementation of theinvention. These exemplary descriptions do not preclude otherimplementations and use cases not described in detail. The invention islimited only by the breadth of the claims below.

1. A liner for a hat, comprising; a smooth material sewn together,covering an interior portion of the hat; and an attachment apparatusremovably attaching the liner to the interior of the hat; wherein withthe liner inserted in the hat, a user wears the hat and liner therebyprotecting hair of the user from damage while wearing the hat.
 2. Theliner of claim 1, wherein the hat liner is created from a materialpattern specific to the interior of the hat.
 3. The liner of claim 2,wherein the hat is a military issue beret.
 4. The liner of claim 2,wherein the hat is a military issue beanie.
 5. The liner of claim 2,wherein the hat is a military issue patrol hat.
 6. The liner of claim 2,wherein the hat is a military issue 8-point hat.
 7. The liner of claim1, wherein the hat the liner attaches to is manufactured from anyone ofnatural or synthetic fibers capable of entangling and otherwise damaginghair of the user when worn.
 8. The liner of claim 7, wherein the naturalfiber is any one of a group including felted wool, wool, and cotton. 9.The liner of claim 7, wherein the synthetic fibers are anyone of a groupincluding nylon and polyester.
 10. The liner of claim 1, wherein theattachment apparatus is anyone of a zipper or hook and loop mechanisms.11. The liner of claim 1, wherein the smooth material is satin or silk.12. The liner of claim 10, wherein the zipper and hook and loopmechanisms are protected from the user's head via an additional materialflap covering the mechanism.
 13. The liner of claim 1, wherein the lineris removable from the hat and washable.
 14. A hat comprising; a linerenabled to protect hair of a wearer; wherein the liner is manufacturedfrom a smooth material insertable in an interior of the hat and includesan attachment apparatus removably attaching the liner to the interior ofthe hat.
 15. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issueberet.
 16. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issuebeanie.
 17. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issuepatrol hat.
 18. The hat of claim 14, wherein the hat is a military issue8-point hat.
 19. The hat of claim 14, wherein the smooth material issatin or silk.
 20. The hat of claim 14, wherein the attachment apparatusis anyone of a zipper or hook and loop mechanisms.